Trailer Interchange Insurance for Trucking

Full access to ports and intermodal terminals with zero protection gaps

Operating third-party trailers in ports, rail yards, and logistics interchanges demands armored backing. At Oakfort Insurance Group LLC we structure Trailer Interchange policies aligned with UIIA standards and Amazon Relay requirements, so your operation never faces gate rejections or unprotected losses in the maneuvering yard.

$50K UIIA / Amazon Relay Same-Day COI

UIIA Compliance

Coverage designed under the exact specs of the Uniform Intermodal Interchange Agreement

Amazon Relay Requirement

Options structured with the standard $50,000 limit contractually required for load assignment

Cost-Efficient

Protect high-value third-party assets for a fraction of the general premium

Operational risks

The most frequent protection gaps in intermodal operations

This is what a carrier faces when operating third-party trailers without the right coverage and documentary backing.

The false security of a standard physical damage policy

A common mistake among fleet operators is assuming their regular Physical Damage coverage protects any trailer they hook up. Traditional policies only cover units owned by the company or explicitly declared in the contract. Operating a third-party trailer without the correct endorsement exposes your business to absorbing direct losses of more than $30,000 out of pocket if an incident occurs.

Denials for lack of a formal written agreement

For Trailer Interchange insurance to respond legally, the rules require a signed and active interchange agreement between the parties before the incident. If your policy includes the coverage but your operation does not maintain the documentary backing of the interchange contract, the insurer will legitimately deny the claim. At Oakfort, we teach you to armor your operation so insurance responds when you need it most.

The coverage gap in mass-market insurance

Most operators starting with new operating authorities turn to mass-market companies that simplify the initial process, but lack specialized endorsements for ports and intermodal terminals. This forces carriers to face commercial hurdles or operate unprotected. As an independent agency, at Oakfort we close this gap by connecting your business with specialized Class A markets that understand port logistics.

Coverage and requirements

What Trailer Interchange Covers

What it covers

Physical Damage for Third-Party Trailers: covers material damage to non-owned trailers (containers, chassis, flatbeds) from collisions, rollovers or traffic accidents while under your legal custody
Full Terminal Protection: backing against physical losses from fire, total theft, vandalism or severe weather inside port facilities, rail stations, or authorized interchange yards
Legal Defense Costs: if the owner of the damaged trailer files a lawsuit, the policy pays attorney fees and legal representation to defend your company's fiduciary interests

What it does NOT cover (exclusions)

Trailers without a written interchange contract: third-party units operated informally or without the signed documentation validating the interchange
Cargo damage: losses or damage to the freight inside the trailer do not belong on this policy; they must be covered exclusively by Motor Truck Cargo insurance
Company-owned units: trailers legally owned by your business or registered under your name must be protected under the standard Physical Damage coverage

Limits & Options

Recommended limits by operation profile

Operation profile	Standard limit	Recommended
Port / intermodal operation	$50,000 UIIA standard for interchange agreements	$50,000 Meets port requirements
Amazon Relay program	$50,000 Contractually required by Amazon Relay	$50,000 Non-negotiable for load assignment
High-value chassis / containers	$50K–$100K Evaluate the real replacement value	$100,000 Recommended for specialized units

Real questions about Trailer Interchange

What is Trailer Interchange?

Trailer Interchange is a coverage that protects damage to third-party trailers in your possession under a Trailer Interchange Agreement (TIA). When you operate in ports, intermodal terminals, or trailer pools, you frequently use trailers that are not yours. If those trailers are damaged under your control, Trailer Interchange covers the cost: as long as you have the written agreement.

Why does Progressive not offer this coverage?

Progressive is the dominant insurer for new trucking, but it does not offer Trailer Interchange coverage. It is a well-known limitation. That is why many carriers operating in ports must use another insurer for TIIE; and that complicates coverage administration and, potentially, claims. We work with insurers that do offer TIIE and understand the port market.

What is UIIA?

UIIA = Uniform Intermodal Interchange Agreement. It is the industry's standard agreement for the interchange of trailers between carriers and equipment providers. To operate in most ports and rail yards, you need to be registered with UIIA and carry Trailer Interchange coverage that meets its minimum requirements.

What are the Amazon Relay requirements?

Amazon Relay requires $50,000 in Trailer Interchange coverage for carriers operating with third-party trailers in the program. Many carriers do not know until Amazon verifies it. If you do not have the coverage, Amazon can remove you from the program. It is a non-negotiable requirement.

Start today

Do you operate in ports or intermodal terminals?

If the answer is yes, you need Trailer Interchange coverage. It is inexpensive, easy to get, and opens the doors to ports and programs like Amazon Relay. Without it, a single claim can cost more than years of premiums.

✓UIIA compliant: ready to operate in any port
✓$50K available for Amazon Relay requirements
✓Progressive does not offer it; we do
✓Coverage from $300/year
✓COI available to present to ports and brokers

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